Vitamins that Promote Hair Growth
There are various factors which affect a person's hair growth like genetics, prolonged illness, neglect of hair care, external weather conditions, and stress. Hair which is brittle, thin, or split is not considered to be healthy and takes a long time to grow back. It is therefore very crucial to provide the body with necessary nutrients so that hair stays healthy. These nutrients include the minerals and vitamins, all of which are excellent for improving hair growth in women as well as men.
The hair growth cycle in humans is divided into three phases - Anagen or growth phase, Categen or resting phase, and Telogen or shedding phase. A person's genetic constitution determines the duration of each of these phases in his/her body. Diet, lifestyle and overall health are certain important factors which help in determining the duration of these phases. In the Anagen phase, the body must have regular and adequate supply of Vitamins A, B and C to ensure that hair grows well.
Vitamins to Make Hair Grow
Vitamin A
Vitamin A and beta carotene are both extremely important for the body as they stimulate bone growth and protect cell membranes. This function of protecting the cell membranes is what helps in maintaining good and healthy hair inside and outside the hair follicles, by keeping the hair well rooted and lubricated.
Vitamin B
All the members of the Vitamin B family help to increase hair growth. Vitamin B3 helps in facilitating scalp circulation. Vitamin B5, B6 and B12 all aid in preventing hair loss and graying of hair. The longest phase in the hair growth cycle is the Anagen phase. During this phase, all these vitamins help in cell reproduction along with RNA and DNA syntheses to promote healthy hair.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very important in maintaining the scalp, as it assists in the formation, growth and repair of connective tissues between blood vessels and skin. Hair follicles are held in place by the scalp along with the blood vessels which provide the hair with nutrition. Vitamin C nourishes the follicle properly to ensure proper growth along with keeping the scalp in good condition, so that it can produce the necessary sebum which prevents breaking of hair.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most essential vitamins for your hair. Vitamin E is a highly effective antioxidant which increases blood circulation in the scalp. This helps the hair to get more nutrition from the follicles to facilitate the growth of healthy, strong hair. Vitamin E is also an essential nutrient which helps preventing hair loss.
Sources of Vitamins that are Good for Hair
The vitamin supplements for hair available in the market contain all the essential minerals and vitamins that improve hair growth. However, these essential nutrients can be easily consumed by including certain foodstuffs in the daily diet. The natural sources of vitamins are:
- Vitamin A: Milk, cheese, eggs, cabbage, meat, spinach, carrots and broccoli.
- Vitamin B3: Chicken, turkey, fish and other meats.
- Vitamin B5: Eggs, whole grains, some meats.
- Vitamin B6: Vegetables, whole grains, eggs and certain meats.
- Vitamin B12: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk.
- Vitamin C: Green vegetables, fruits and potatoes.
- Vitamin E: Beans, nuts, vegetable oil and green vegetables.
